This drama documentary is basically a very well connected set of narratives in which condemned killers statements were acted-out. It is not quite as simple as it sounds: The delivery is against a backdrop of a factual reporting style. The acting is outstanding, in fact so much so that the actors took on the look of individuals who were living their own hell on earth prior to facing execution. Each one came across with a different character. It did not seem repetitive as the concept may suggest owing to this quality. It was a film that generated various emotions, disgust, compassion an indication of how futile and destructive their crimes were to the perpetrator (as well as the victims). Guns played a big part in the killings, some belonged to the victims. For me the film illustrated the stupidity of poor gun control and in effect arming the mentally unstable and immature. In my view all the killers were dejected and screwed-up individuals that life had left behind. Their self-loathing was tangible. One showed a bravado that was clearly superficial belying the inadequate coward hiding behind the edifice. Most proclaimed how sorry they were and I just thought how that did not cut it as what they had done was so heinous. It was apparent how pointless their lives were and how avoidable their killings were if only things had been different. Growing up in a society that puts people to death does seem to legitimise and encourage violence by devaluing life and this came across as an unspoken notion within the film. I did think that a film as potent as this should be shown to kids in school where it might just help tip the balance for some before they embarked on a life of violence and crime. The film showed the consequences in term of the self destruction of the perpetrators only too well. It deserves to be watched. Thanks to the film-makers for their devotion in making it.
Review of Last Statement
